Hospice Gardener springs into first place

Friday, 02 March 2012

Hospice volunteer Susan Spratt took a break from her usual role tending the Hospice’s outdoor spaces to be the very first applicant in this year’s Starlight Walk.

Susan said: ‘It was my New Year’s resolution to take part in the Walk again and I’m delighted I was the first person to sign up.’

Susan has been volunteering at the Hospice for five years, initially working in the kitchen before joining the Gardening Team. The team is responsible for creating and maintaining the green spaces in and around the Hospice which bring so much pleasure to inpatients, their families and staff.

She explained ‘My dad died when I was very young but my mum was a strong woman who raised me and my siblings to ‘help everyone.'  She was a nurse and her influence means I have always wanted to help others.  Wherever I've lived I have always been involved in volunteering.’

Susan takes her preparation for the Walk seriously and uses Cassiobury Park as her base, particularly to get used to hill walking.  Her commitment has also influenced others to get involved.  ‘I wear my Peace Hospice volunteer t-shirt when I’m at the gym and lots of people ask me what they can do to help.  Two friends have already started training with me to do the Walk and now Spring has arrived I will be encouraging everyone I meet to take part.’

Summing up her motivation for taking part in the Starlight Walk, Susan said: ‘When I’m in the Hospice garden I see how important the work of the Hospice is to the patients and their families and raising money ensures that that work can continue.  Also, I personally find doing the Walk very rewarding and I love receiving my medal at the end too.’

The Peace Hospice, based in Watford, cares for people living with a life limiting or terminal illness and supports their families. It provides inpatient care, day care, an outpatient service, a hospice at home service as well as bereavement support.
The Hospice needs to raise £3.8 million of charitable income this year in order to run and develop its services. All the care that the Hospice provides to its patients and their families is free. 

Teams and individuals are invited to click here to sign up for the 2012 Starlight Walk.